industry news
Subscribe Now

u-blox releases u-blox 8, a new GPS/GLONASS receiver platform for low-power devices

Thalwil, Switzerland – January 6, 2016 – u-blox (SIX:UBXN), a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, announces the release of the u-blox 8 GPS/GLONASS receiver platform. It complements the u-blox GNSS platform portfolio by addressing power sensitive usage, whereas the existing u-blox M8 platform continues to serve applications where navigation performance and highest accuracy are paramount. 

u-blox 8 offers significant improvements, compared with its predecessor u-blox 7. The tracking sensitivity has been increased by 4 dBm, and is now -166 dBm. The enhanced odometer functionality, a new geofencing feature, and optimized preset power save modes can halve the power requirements for sport products. Free-of-charge AssistNow for boosting GNSS acquisition performance, which is available online, offline or as an autonomous service, has been improved. It also makes the new positioning platform ideal for all battery powered devices, especially wearables and sports tracking.

“Nowadays many portable applications rely on a single coin battery; hence low power-spending is crucial. u-blox 8 has been developed for wearables and tracking applications, keeping in mind the need for low power consumption without compromising performance,” says Uffe Pless, Product Marketing, Positioning, at u-blox. 

u-blox 8 is pin-compatible with u-blox 7. It will be available as a chip and as modules in several form factors. Customer samples of u-blox 8 chips and modules will be available by Q2 2016.

About u-blox

Swiss u-blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in wireless and positioning semiconductors and modules for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. u-blox solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u-blox is uniquely positioned to empower OEMs to develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost-effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u-blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia and the USA.
(http://www.u-blox.com)

Leave a Reply

featured blogs
Apr 2, 2026
Build, code, and explore with your own AI-powered Mars rover kit, inspired by NASA's Perseverance mission....

featured chalk talk

Connecting the World Through Space
Sponsored by Mouser Electronics and Qorvo
In this episode of Chalk Talk, Ryan Jennings from Qorvo and Amelia Dalton explore the critical components and design challenges inherent in LEO satellite infrastructure and how Qorvo’s solutions are enabling the next generation of space-based connectivity. 
Mar 30, 2026
21,642 views